Publisher’s Note
Welcome to the Mid-Summer Special Edition of the
Diplomatist!
L.B. Associates, an integrated media house was established
in 1996 and today its fl agship publication ‘Extraordinary &
Plenipotentiary Diplomatist’ has become India’s premium
publication on international relations and diplomacy.
It’s been 22 years since I took over the helm of The
Diplomatist as the publisher. As I refl ect back, I’m very proud
of the work our team has done. The contributions made by the
honorary authors are also noteworthy. Our digital media team
has expanded those rendezvous beyond print and on to social
media. No matter the channel, we have had the privilege to
reach out to a wide infl uencing and policy decision making
audience.
When we look back over the last editions of The
Diplomatist, those engaging stories aren’t just new, they are
diff erent. And as we brought this issue to a close we found
ourselves running out of pages. From our special feature on
the Netherlands to an exclusive piece on China’s Silk Road
the One Belt One Road (OBOR) initiative, all our stories
are exclusive.
The stunning scale of the election that is underway in
India with just under a billion voters is tough for the mind to
deal with. Indian elections are big. Big in numbers and big
in connotation. Fingers crossed!
Irrespective of your outlook on Theresa May’s politics and
Brexit off ers, I think, she must be respected for her strength,
direction, and willpower in the face of great adversity.
Needless to say, she has got admiration from across the
political spectrum including allies and staunch opponents
alike. She has stood fi rm and determined, with her appetite
in bringing the best possible conclusion for Britain.
India is also diligently watching what is gradually
becoming a chaotic split between the UK and the EU. Many
Indian companies which have invested profoundly in Britain
over the past few years are now apprehensive. The UK has
been seen by Indian fi rms as a gateway to the European
Union. A common market has so far ensured these companies
barrier-free access to the EU countries.
Among other EU countries - Germany, France, the
Netherlands, Irelands, Finland, and Estonia - the Netherlands,
which is one of the most English-friendly European nations
with 90 percent citizens speaking the language, is evolving
as an alternate destination.
The Netherlands is a leading global knowledge economy
and is one of the twenty largest economies in the world. The
country has an ancient history of moving around the oceans
of the world and trading with other nations. In times of global,
social and economic challenges, the Dutch always fi nd ways
of how entrepreneurship can continue to grow.
We cannot also ignore the fact that a lot has been said
and discussed on the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement
between India and the European Union. Negotiations for a
comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India
and the EU were launched in 2007 and suspended in 2013
due to a gap in the level of ambition.
To brainstorm on various opportunities to strengthen
bilateral economic cooperation between Indian and Europe,
PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry organised a
Conference on “Strengthening India‐Europe Economic
Relations: Opportunities and Way Forward.” The Diplomatist
was appointed as their Offi cial Media Partner.
Over the past years, we have associated with national and
international organisations, with whom we have worked in
partnership and put our media services meticulously across
a number of ventures. On behalf of all at The Diplomatist, I
want to thank you for your wonderful support.
For this edition, we have had a great run. Special
acknowledgment to our advertisers and partners who have
made it all possible. Most of all, thanks to all the readers for
being part of this journey with us.
Signing off !
Linda Brady Hawke
Publisher
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 4 • April-May 2019, Noida • 3